Vehicle construction



Feb.2,1`943. AJ.. KOCH E'rAL l 2,309,735 VEHICLE CONSTRUCTIN Y Filed April 2e, 1940 7 sheets-sneek 1 INVENTORS Aff/edf BY (v01/.Z

ATTORNEY l Feb. 2, 1943. A. L KOCH ETAL 2,309,735

v VEHICLE yCONSTRUCTION Filed April 2e. 1940 #sheets-sheet 2 ATTORNEY Feb. 2, 1943; l A'. L: KOCH Em 2,309,735

I VEHICLE CONSTRUCTIN l.

Filed April 26, 1940 7 SheeiS-Sheet 5v am I ATTORNEY Feb. 2, 1943. A. L.; KOCH ET An. 2,309,735

' VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION j Fil'ed April 26, 1940 7 She'eiS-Seet 4 425 lfga.

ATTORNY Feb. 2*, 1943. A.l L. KOCH ET AL 2,309,735

V VEHICLE CONS TRUCTION Filed April 26, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 5/ I l I 1 297 Q9/v J4 'f1/V569 279 05 549 445 ATTORNEY Feb. 2, 1943. A. L. KOCH Em 2,309,7-I' 5 VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION Filed April 26, 194C 7 sheets-shea e ATTORNEY f l Feb. 2,'1943. A. L. KOCH ErAl. A 2,309,735

VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION Filed April 26, 1940 7 SheetS-SHeet 7 gygy ' lNvENoRs ATTORN EY Patented Feb. 2, 1943 UNITE o STAT Es Per ENT or FICE 2309x135' Vismara-CONSTRUCTION? Arthur-L. Koch and YJohn B. Covi," Elizabeth, NYJ. Applieeeien Aprirzs, 1940; seriez Nasal-69%)? (ci. 29e-'49)' 4 0-y claims.

It is becoming increasingly important in safety' workto have 'available promptly facilities for aide" ing Quickly the victims of highway accidents; Such facilities appropriately include transporta"- tion facilities for quickly 4transporting accident victims to the desired receiving station. Con'- sequently it is becoming increasingly :important for police highway patrols Vto be' equipped with means whereby a passenger vehicle'of usual' constructionmay bev converted quickly and easily into Van ambulance4 conveyance foruse in such emergenciesjwith'out the usual delay incident to Athe arrival of the usual ambulance conveyance, rwhich delayv'may be substantial; especiallyv where'an accident occurs at an isclated'location.

Consequently, there have been" various ,proposals -for .thel provisionA of emergency-vehicles.

These include proposals where'a stretcher or :bed maybe inserted' into the vehicle/from Athe `rearA end, or, where the vehicle Ais ofthe more usual typesof vehicle construction; the support, such as a'stretcher maybe removed from the'passenger compartment and inserted in the compartment, with its kload by'providing the car with aremovablej center post.4

'Ifhe constructions heretofore proposed andpro'- vided l'have ,entailed substantial;` alterations "ini the body' rc'onst'ruction o'fthe vehiclesv and ineach case" the removal of thestretcher'and its replacement with its load is awkward and accomplishableionly" with difficulty.

In accordance with thejpresent invention, there is Aprovided a kvehicle which is adapted for `both passenger-carrying and emergency work, wherein means are provided for removing and insertingastretcher or bed through utilizing the usual door openings without requiring the conventionalv body construction of a passenger car, Whether it be of a two-door or a four-door type.

A further object of theinvention is to ,providev novel stretcher mounting instrumentalities, wherebyV the stretcher mounting may loe moved completely outside of thevehicle laterallythereof, through one of the usual door openings which will rmly support the stretcher while it isk in Vcompletely'extended position to receive its 1oad,and which will continue to support the stretcher and its load whilethey are bein'g'moved'back into 'the passenger compartment.

A'still further object of the invention is to'pro-v4 vide'novel means for supporting a stretcher or bed to bemoved by a single'operator from 'its loading-position toits carrying position.

Astillfurther object of the inventionis to pro-5 vide improved adjustingmeans for the irontseatsY Cil ef the veille-1e whereby theymeybe adjusted ees-ily tol assure Ltheir being clear 'of"tliestretcherorbd' duringradjlustment thereof. y

Af still ,further object'-'of*the'inventionl is tofproe videja'n improvedbedorstretcherconstruction for cooperating Withthe supporting' means;1 whereby the r.bed or stretcher lmay 'be veasily andV firmly mounted on the said supportingmeans;

Further'objectsand advantagesof the present improved"A construction will' become apparent 4"as the description proceeds, and-Y the features i of novelty will be pointed out inparticularity in the' appendedclaims: and theinv'ention accordingly comprises' the-features tof' construction, combinationof elemntsfan'd arrangement of'parts; which Win be exemplified in them-instruction hereinafterset forth and the scope ofthe application of which will be indicated in theclaims.

The inventionwill be'ilunderstood more" readily by reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which: y

Fig; 1 4'is "et-sectional' 'pleurY viewy of the interior of `the "passenger vrcompa 'rtment of' a conventional type ofunotorvehicl'e 'th'eviewlshowingthe seats and the relative position of the 'supportingmechanism of the present invention to the doorsof the vehicle through one'v of' which"the"loading and unloading is effected, the viewbe'in'g taken' onv the'I line' I--"i 'looki'ifigin' th'e"direction' of the arrows. Y

Fig; 2 "is 'a fragmentary side'lelevationiof 'the passenger" "conipartnentj with the Ldoors opened to thev seats, the View also 'indicating' the 'position of the stretcheri'asrnouiit'edon*the supporting instrumentalities Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional plan'viewof the 4passenger coml'aartment th'ejview' showingthe drivers seat being positione'd'ito"'enablethe"`sup" porting mechanism to "be' shiftedbetween"riding and lloading positions. Fig."`4 lisa View si'rriilart Fig." 3 blit'slowin'g the mechanism, the View being taken on the line 6--5 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of the rear parts or the supporting mechanism parts being broken away to show additional structural details.

Fig. 3 is a 'fragmentary plan View of the front portion of the supporting and carrying mechanism, parts being broken away.

Fig. 9 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 9-3 of Fig. 8, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 9A is a side elevation taken on the line SA-QA of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a plan View partly brokenaway of the supporting instrumentalities for the righthand front seat.

Fig. 11V is a sectional elevation on the line of Fig. 10, looking in the direction of the arrows.

.Fig 12 is a sectional elevation on the line |2|2 of Fig. 10, working in the direction of the arrows.

VFig. 13 is a fragmentaryside view of a part of the supporting means and the lock and hinge joint for the back of the right-hand front seat.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary front view of the mechanism of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view on the line |5|5 of Fig. 13, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 16 is a plan View of the supporting frame for the operator seat.

Fig. 17 is a sectional elevation through the frame, showing a fragment of the operators seat the view being taken on the line |1-|'| of Fig. 16, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 18 is a sectional elevation on the line IS-IS of Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a side elevation of the lock mechanism for the front and rear adjustment for the drivers seat.

Fig. 20 is a plan View of a stretcher adapted to be used in connection with the improved supporting mechanism of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a side elevation of the stretcher of Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 22-22 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 23 is a sectional elevation showing the stretcher mounted on the supporting means, and showing its position relative to the front righthand seat, the seat having its hinged back lowered to clear the stretcher with the supporting platform extended into loading position.

Fig. 24 is an enlarged plan View of the link employed for stifening the stretcher.

Fig. 25 is a sectional View along the line 25--25 of Fig. 24.

Fig. 26 is a plan View of the lock end of the stretcher stiifening link.

Fig. 27 is a sectional view along the line 21-21 of Fig. 26.

Fig. 28 is a sectional side elevation showing on a somewhat larger scale, details of the supporting nstrumentalities and indicating the adjustability of the right-hand front seat.

Fig. 29 is a sectional elevation through the stretcher frame, taken on the line 29-29 of Fig. 20 or 21, illustrating the means for interlocking the front end of the stretcher frame with the supporting instrumentalities.

While the present improved construction is illustrated herein and described as being incorporated in a motor vehicle such being the principal adaptation, it will be understood that insofar as concerns the stretcher supporting and mounting instrumentalities these may be applied to any type of conveyance or type of transport that may be utilized to transport passengers and wherein utilization of space is an important consideration; and of course the stretcher construction remains the same whereverthe supporting' instrumentalities are installed. It will be apparent, however, that an important utilization of the invention resides in the application to high- Way patrols, and fire-department safety equipment, wherein emergencies arise very frequently and where it often is difficult to obtain ambulance facilities with consequent possible dangerous results to the life of the injured individual, the invention, however, being useful in any condition where helpless individuals may be likely to require ambulance assistance for transportation to a station of aid.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown as being installed in a conventional type of four-door sedan body, which is indicated generally at A, which has the usual running boards 5|, 53, the usual rear seat cushion 55 and the rear seat cushion 51. The doors 6|, 63 and 59, 65 are hinged in the usual manner the rear door hinges being indicated at 62, 62, and the front door hinges being shown at 64, 64, the doors when closed latching in the usual center-posts 68, 66. The front door openings are indicated at 59 and 59" and the rear door openings are indicated as 6 I .and 6 The usual front seat has been replaced in accordance with the present invention by a drivers seat assembly B, mounted on a seat support assembly C.

The right front seat assembly is indicated at D, which is mounted on a seat support assembly E, the seat support assembly E being supported on a handling mechanism F.

The details of these assemblies and handling mechanism will be set forth hereinafter in particularity.

InFigs. 1, 2 and 3 there is indicated a stretcher assembly, designated generally at G, the stretcher assembly being indicated in its extended position to show its relation to the body A and to the seats when the stretcher is mounted in riding position the stretcher assembly G being adapted to be moved through the right-hand front door opening 59'.

The usual steering wheel is indicated at 61, with the clutch pedal shown at 69 and the brake pedal at 1|. These elements are in their usual position.

The drivers seat assembly B comprises a seat cushion 13, a back cushion 15, and the back cushion hinge 11 that holds the back cushion 15 in its proper relation to the seat cushion 13, while allowing the back cushion 15 to fold forwardly on the seat cushion 13. The seat cushion 13 is mounted on a frame 19 by means of screws 8|. The frame 19 is slidably mounted on an adjacent lower frame 83, it being held in sliding position by slide strips 85, B1, and 89 which are attached to the frame 19. These details are shown in Figs. 16, 17 and 18.

It will be seen from Figs. 16 and 17 that the drivers seat assembly B, and frame 19 are mounted on the frame 83 which is part of frame 99, which in turn rests on frame IDI, which is attached to the floor |33 of the vehicle.

The frame part V83 is secured to frame 99 by means of angle supports 9|, 93, 95, 91 which are attached in. any suitable manner to both the framest and 99, and. rigidly support the frame 83 over the frame 99, thereby enabling the frame 191to slide freely on the frame 83.

It is necessaryr to bring, the` seat assembly B out of the way of the path cf travel of the stretcher. Inorder to enable thevdrivers seat to be turned the frame 99'is pivoted on a pivot.

|83 which is anchored suitably to the frame |0| a collar |05 on .the pivot |93 cooperating'with a boss |05 on frame 99 to hold the frame 99 on the pivot.

Since .the seat assembly B is pivotally mounted as has been just described releasable means are provided for normally holding th'eseat assembly in driving position. For this purpose the frame is provided with upstanding lugs-H5, ||1, IIS, which are attached to the frame lili, and which are provided with aligned holes to allow the passage therethrough of rod ||3.-

A lug |91 is secured to the frame 99 and extends horizontally therefrom, this lug having a hole |99 therethrough,4 which hole is in alignment with the holes in the vertical lugs H5, ||1, H9, the hole |99 receiving a pin which is the enlarged end of the rod H3, the end |23 of the pin H forming one abutment for a compression spring |2|, which is slipped over the rod H3 and is compressed between the end |23 of the pin |l| and the surface |25 of the vertical lug ||1.

On the rod ||3 there ismounted a bolt |21, the said bolt being slidable along rod H3, and being-provided with a nut |29 threaded thereon, compression of the springl |2| being eiected by exerting a pull on the rod I3 and moving the bolt |21 along the rod While the latter is held in desired position until the bolt |21 engages the face of the lug l1, whereupon tightening of the nut |29 on the rod ||3 prevents retraction of the rod and maintains the spring |2| in desired partial compression to maintain the pin in extended positionv and in hole |09.

A ring |3| is formed on the other end of the rod H3 as a handle to enable pulling of the rod ||3 for releasing pin from hole |09, thereby freeing the framer 93 'for allowing the frame to pivot on the pivot stud |03. As will be seen from Fig. 16, the frame l0! is secured tothe floor 33 of the vehicle by means of studsA |35, |31 land wing nuts |39 and IM. The sliding frame 18 is latched in various positions, to the frame 83by a trigger |43 engaging a series of slots |25 (Fig. 19) in the frame 19;

This trigger |43 is rigidly attached to a pin |41, the latter being supported'by lugs |49, |5|, which are formed on the frame 85. The pin |141 has a head |53 on one end; the other end of the pin |111 being slotted, as indicated `at |55, to receive the iiat spiral spring |51, the opposite end of the spring |51 being held in position by loop |59 enga-ging a pin 18| anchored in lug |29, a collar |53being provided on pin |41 to, prevent the spring |51 from slipping out of position.

Since the trigger |43 is releasable from any given slot in order to permit the'frame 19 to slide on the frame 83, means must be provided to eiTect such release. Thus, it will be seen that a lug |65 is supported over the trigger |43, the lug |55 being a part of a bracket |61 which in turn is attached to the lug 5|. The lug |55 has a hole |59 therethrough, which hole receives a-'trigger-actuating pin |1|, this pin having enlarged heads |13 and |15lat its ends, the'head |13 resting on the triggeril 43,3sothat when pres-- sureisapplied Vonthe head.` |15, the trigger |53 is pushed omni/locking.engagementwithy the series. of slots 45; 'thereby permitting the vframe 19:.toY slide .on .the frame..83 Y:to any desired position' as controlled by slotl |45(` Figs.y 13 and 14 illustratecertain of the details of.` construction: of right-hand front seat assembly D. This seat assembly comprises a seatv cushion |11 mounted on a base |19; The

vbase, |19'has securedto it.abracket ISl, bolts |83.`securing; thebracket' |8| to the base |19. The kbracket |8"| has its #upper end 81 vprovided with astucl` |35,,which is anchored to the bracket-end |81- in^ aV holer 189,/ and which is providedwith a large retaininghead 9| for holding the extension of; the back-supporting iron |91 and stud |85 extending through a slot |99 provided in the'iron |91, the head I9! of the stud engaging the back surfaceiof the supporting` iron |91. A socket member which is attached to the bracket |8| receives the extension |91 and holds the'seat back 28| in upright riding positionl fork apassenger. sitting on the seat. However', when the back 20|, is raised Atheextension |91 is lifted out of the socket |93,`

the seat back 20| thereby being released to swing into either a forward position 293 or a rear position 295, this being necessary in order to clear the stretcher. during unloading and v loading thereof.

The seat assemblyD isniounted for'rotation, as will be described in detail hereinafter, the forward position 283 of the seat vback 28| being used whenthe seat is rotated theposition 285 being used when the stretcherG. is put into! position, or

, include-s .an upstanding .ou'twardly flaring housing 2 l 9, andia groupwmember 2|8; The lug 2 5 is suitably attached to the plate2| and is provided with a central hole 22| which receives the-stem portion 222 of the housing s2-I9; the stem 222`being suitably secured to the lug 2 5i The housing r2 9 has an opening extending longitudinally through it, thelower part 224 of which is smaller diameter than fthe'upper recess 229, thereby'deining an annular shoulder 225 which forms a seat for the collar 23| on pinV 221 which snugly fits in the opening 224 in the housing portion 222. The upper-part of vthehousing 229 is threaded externally as is indicated at 22| to receive a cap-nut 223which has a hole 233 therethrough through which hole-passes the pin 221. The upper recess-229 denes an annular space about the pin 221 for receivingI a compression spring 239 whichA is compressed between the collar 23| and the underside of the cap nut 223, normally urgingthe pin 221into hole 228 in the plate 22| upon which rests the plate 2| A head 235 which is attached to the pin 221 by a fastening pin 231, acts as a handle for lifting the pin 221 out of engagement with hole 228 .to free the plate 2| l.

It has been mentioned above that the plate 2|! rests on plate 24|. Plate .2|| is rotatably secured to .plate 24| by` a.plateA 243 Iwhich overlies the mounting is shown in detail in Fig. 11 and will be referred to in detail hereinafter.

Secured in plate 24| are a plurality of rollers, indicated on Fig. at 245, 241 and 249, which rotate on collars 25| mounted on bolts 253, the periphery of the rollers engaging the wall 2|2 which defines the perimeter of the circular opening 2 I3.

The details of the mounting of the plate 243 and of the rollers 245, 241 and 249 are shown in Fig. 11, which typifies the mounting of all of the rollers. It will be seen that the plate 24| is perfo.. rated to receive the bolts 253 the collars 25| fitting over the bolts 253 and separate the plates 24| and 243 to permit a sliding clearance for the plate 2| l. Nuts 255 and lock washer 251 complete the assembly. Y

The plate 24| is provided with an extension 259, which extension serves as locking means for the stretcher as will be described hereinafter. Grooves 26| are positioned as shown at the edges of the plate 24| these grooves functioning to raise the pin 221 as the plate 2| rotates on plate 24|. This action will be understood when it is noted that pulling the pin 221 out of the hole 228 releases the plate 2|| for rotation the end of the pin riding on the surface of the plate 24|. However, the position of the pinat the corner of the plate 2|| is such that as plate 2| rotates the pin 221 is moved off from the plate 24|, the pressure of spring 239 immediately snapping the pin 221 in extended position, which is just below the plane of the top of plate 24| as is shown in Fig. 12; now the grooves 26| slope upwardly away from the edges of plate 24|, so that as the pin 221 engages the slope of the grooves 26|, it is lifted until it comes into engagement again with the top of the plate 24| incident to continued rotation of the plate 2I|. When the rotation of the seat D is completed so that the seat is in reversed position the pin 221 enters the hole 230 in plate 24|, which hole is diametrically opposite to the hole 228, to lock the seat in reversed position. Grooves 26| therefore perform the function of lifting cams, and are provided on each side of the plate 24| except that beneath the side 263 of plate 2| I, which side is already bent over, as will be explained hereinafter.

One side 263 of the plate 24| is turned over as is indicated at 265 (Fig. 12) to hook over the slide 261 on the top platform 319 of the handling mechanism F. The opposite side of plate 24| rests on the slide 269 on the top platform 319.

Lug 21|, mounted onplate 24| receives a set screw 213 having wing nut 215 thereon, complete the clamping means for releasably clamping the seat support E to handling mechanism F for securing the seat supportI in desired adjustment relative to the handling mechanism, the lug 21| extending over the slide 269, retaining the seat support in position on the handling mechanism.

The details of this handling mechanism F is shown in plan view Figs. '1 and 8, and in section in Figs. 5, 6, 9, 9A and 22.

The handling mechanism F includes a lower frame 211 which defines longitudinal tracks 219, 29| secured t0 the floor for rollers 283, 285, 281, which are mounted on yoke 299 which yoke consequently forms a carriage for the upper portion of the handling mechanism which extends and retracts along the tracks 219 and 28|.

This yoke 289 also carries guide rollers indicated at 29|, 293, 295 and 291, which are mounted on brackets 292 and 294 extending from the annular rim 296 of the yoke 289, the brackets 292 and 294 being recessed at the ends thereof for receiving these rollers, the rollers 29| and 293 rolling against edge 299 and of the frame 211 and the rollers 295 and 291 roll against the edge 30| of this frame. A sheet metal guard 303 is placed under the frame 211, the guard plate 303 being secured to the frame 211 by screws 305, the frame 211 being secured to the floor |33 of thebody A by means of screws 301'.

Mounted in the annular rim 296 of the yoke 289 and extending outwardly therefrom are a plurality of studs indicated at 309, 3| I, and 3|3, on which` studs are mounted, respectively, the rollers 3|5, 3|1, 3|9, which rollers support a pan 32| and move on the flat bottom of the inverted pan 323 which forms a plate the pan 32| and plate 323 being maintained in their proper position by bolts 325, cooperating with spacers 321 and nuts 329.

A plurality of rollers 32| rotate on the spacers and bear against the inner surface 333 of the annular ring 296 of the yoke 289, thereby causing the pan 32| and plate 323 to rotate about a central axis.

A frame 335 is mounted on the pan 32| to which frame are secured lugs 331, 339, 34|, and 343 (see Figs. 7 and 8), there being one of these lugs at each corner of the frame, these lugs supporting suitable studs on which are mounted rotatably rollers 345, 341, 349, and 35|. The rollers 345 and 341 roll over the rear 353 surface of the frame 211, and the rollers 349 and 35| roll over the front surface 355 of the frame 211.

The frame 335 carries two forward rollers 351 and 359, which rollers are mounted on pins 36| and 363 supported in yokes 365 and 361, suitably attached to frame 335, and a cover plate 331 is secured to frame 335 to protect the pan 32|.

A supporting leg assembly 389 including supporting legs 310 and 312, joined by rod 314, is pivotally mounted on the frame 335 on bolts 31| and 313, a lift plate 315 being secured to the leg 312 which plate forms the abutting surface for the lifting instrumentalities 439, which are attached to frame 319, and which will be referred to in greater detail hereinafter.

This frame 319 is the top platform frame and it is slidably mounted on the frame 335 by means of rollers 385 and 381, which bear against the underside of the outwardly extended anges 386 and 388 of the frame 335. These rollers 385 and 381 are mounted on suitable studs secured to the frame 319. Also secured to the frame 319 are the rollers 38| and 383, which engage the upper surface of the flanges 386 and 388, being positioned substantially directly above the rollers 385 and 381, these latter rollers taking the weight of the rear end of platform 319 when thisplatform is extended, the front rollers 351 and 359 which engage the undersurface of flanges 390 and 392 of the frame 319 support the front end of platform 319 when the platform 319 is extended. The rollers 385 and 381 therefore prevent the frame 319 from raising above the frame 335 when the frame 319 is in its extended position and when the frame 319 carries a load, the frame 319 being prevented from lifting off of frame 335 by lock studs 389 and 39| which also provide stop points for controlling the forward position of the frame 319 by engagement with yokes 365 and 361 on frame 335.

The platform 319 is held normally closed by means of a locking cam 393, which is mounted on a shaft 395, this shaft 395 being mounted in lugs 391, 399 and 40| on frame 319. A lift finger 403 `frame 211.

`rides-.on icam 393,V thenger .493 jbeing va part of a. lockinglbar 495, thefbar 495having aslot 491 therein adjacent to its lower end, which slot 481 engages a pin 499 mounted in the lower The locking bar 495 is held in position by a yoke 4|| thereon, which yoke 4|| receives a guide bar 413, mounted on platform 319, the yoke 41| sliding relative to the bar 4|3 responsively to movement of locking bar 495. The slot 481 is of a length such that when the cam 393 is brought into lifting position the bottom of slot 491 tightly clamps against the pin 409, and also clam-ps the rollers 343, 35|, against thetop surface 355 of frame 211.

The cam 393 is actuated by turning shaft 395 by means of handle member 4| 5 on the shaft 395. The shaft 395 carries a hook member 4|1, which is rigidly secured to the shaft, and which is in linoperative position when the cam is in locking poistion as shown in Fig. 8. When shaft 395 is turned to release the cam 393, the hook 411 is brought into engagement with an eye member 4|9 on frame 335, thereby interconnecting frames `319 and 335, and enabling these frames to be extended together to the intermediate position indicated at 429 in Fig. 4; then by returning the cam 393 to a position corresponding to its locking position, the hook 4|1 disengages the eye member 419, thereby allowing the platform 319 to be extended to its4 full position, as shown in Fig. 4. As the platform 319 reachesV its full position the supporting assembly 359 drops into rcarrying position onthe running board 53 of the vehicle. In order to prevent shaft 395 from turning too far, a pin 433 is provided in the shaft,

which pin acts as a stop pinvwhen it engages stop 435 on frame 319 for the locked position and ystop 491 on platform frame 919 for the unlocked position.

The frame 319 is provided with brackets 423 and 425 for supportingthe rear legs of the stretcher, these brackets having their upper surn .faces carpeted, as indicated of 439 and 432, re-

lock bar 495 when the platform assembly is i turned in order to allow for unobstructedturning of the platform assembly.

Additionally, a stop 443 is provided on the surface 355 of the frame211, against which stop the roller 349 abuts for guiding the Yframe 335 back y into its retracted position.

Passing now to the consideration of oneforrn of a stretcher, or bed, which may be utilized'lin connection with the aboveedescribed seat-adjusting instrumentalities, and Which-is shown in detail inF-igs. 20, 2l,..and.23, it will be seen ,that thev stretcher comprises a frame .'dennga head section 445, a foot section 441 anda foot-rest`449, the head section andthefoot section being foldable one on the other by means of a hinge 45|, 45|, vand a second hinge453 allows thefootfseat 449 to fold on to the foot sectionf441. The hinges 45 45| are -locatedat the ends of a bar-459 which 'extends transversely of thestretcher frame-in :a

bar 450being'held in hinge brackets 452 and 454, the stretcher frame -being held rigidly in extend- `ed positon by links 485, 431, which are pivoted on `.|bolts1489,; and 49| to releasethe sections of the stretcher. for folding the same togethen'thelinks --485 and 481 zbeing held in securing position by .screwsr493 .and 495.

The rear end of the rstretcher is supported by a .rear legy assembly 455 which includes legsv 459J and 458 which are hingedly mounted in brackets-464 and 499y and which are joined by bar 455. The

brackets '464 and 468 extend over the stretcher frameand may be secured thereto byI anyappropriate means, such as by rivets or the like, one of .which is shownfat 463.

` The legassembly 455 is pivoted on corresponding :brackets Vsecured to the stretcher le'gs`456, 458 one of Whichbr-ackets ris indicated at 419, there being one of such brackets on either side of the stretcher frame, there being corresponding pivot points for each leg 453 and 453, thereby enabling the leg assembly to be folded whenthe stretcher is `not .in use. gI-Iowever, when the .stretcher is in use, theleg assembly 455.is held .rigid byra brace 459 which is pivotallysecured at '410' 4to a bracket 412 positioned on bar 456 of the leg assembly, the brace being adapted to be secured removably to the stretcher frame by means .of a .bolt 46| and nut 493 cooperating therewith, the'bracket'412 being vmounted between a stop 45|) and a shoulder 438 on bar 455 and rotates on ibar 456'whenthe sloty 414 in the brace 459 straddles the extending end ofthe bolt 43 l. The brace .459is secured by tightening nut 453.

vAzfo0t1591is provided for. each leg ofthe leg assembly455these being received normally in the brackets 423:and 425 in the handling frame-when thestretcher is mounted thereon.

.Thefoot end'ofthe stretcher is supported by a front leg. assembly 495, which includes legs 413, ,488,'whichtare pivotedat 491, 482,*in'straps494, 486,'which .are passed'over the side bars of the stretcher-framerand secured in position by bolts 488, 490.

The legs v418'and 489, are joined by a bar 492, a vbrace'415being Vattached :rigidly to the bar 492 at. 411, :419,3 the brace A415 being provided with guide lugs 48| and 483, these lugs controlling the position .of the stretcher in the bracket 42| when thelugs 48| and 433 engage eXtension259 on seat support 24|.

The leg assembly '455, being hinged as olescribed above, may be folded when the stretcher isv notin use, .but the assembly is held inirigid ,position by a brace 499 which is held in an adljustablebracket 494 and which is releasably secured yto the stretcher frame by a bolt 41| Yand .The stretcher is provided with a wire center 491, which is heldin position by springs499, the `springsbeing held in straps 551 on the side rails 593, 593, of the stretcher frame.

Figs. 241to27 inclusive show details of the links 485 and481. From these views, it will be seen that the bolts 493, 495 have a tapered shoulder 589 that presses against the tapered surface 5H of slot 513. Slot 5|3 clears the threaded portion 5|5 vof bolt 493.

Theibrackets .423 and 425 are provided with locking slots 422 and 424 which are cut into the housingsf426 and 428 of brackets -423 and '425, for .preventing accidentalslipping of the stretcher legs received therein.

The operation of the above-described mechanism is as follows:

In the normal riding arrangement for passengers, the seats are arranged in normal manner, as is shown in Figs. 1 and 2, for example, wherein B designated the drivers seat, D, being the adjacent front seat. Also the rear seat cushion 55 and the rear seat back cushion 51 are arranged in the usual way for the riding accommodations of passengers.

The seat B is mounted on the seat support C, this latter being fastened to the floor of the sedan body A by wing nuts |39 and |4| on studs |35 and |31.

When it is desired to change the seating arrangements to enable the stretcher to be carried in riding position the operator presses down on the head |15 of pin |1| to disengage the trigger |43 from the slotl |45, and while sitting in'the seat, the operator causes the seat B to move forward, this clearing the door opening 6|'. In order to swing the seat about pivot |03, a pull is exerted on ring |3| to disengage the pin from'hole |09, by pulling on seat B and when the pin is out ofthe hole |09, the seat B can be swung on pivot |03 and moved out through the door opening 59".

The door 63 next is opened, and the. handle 4|5, which is shown in locked position in Figs. l, 3 and 9A, is shifted to the dotted line position 4|5' in Fig. 9. This action releases the slot 401 on pin 409, and engages the hook 4|1 in eye 4|9, and then when the handle 4|5 is pulled through a forward and outward motion, the frames 319 and 335 are shifted into the position 420 Vshown in Fig. 4, and then upon` dropping the handle 4|5 intov the position shown in Fig. 4, the hook 4|1 is vreleased from the eye 4|9; Then by pulling on frame 319, it rides out on rollers 383, 385, 38|, 381, 359 and 351; to a position shown in Fig. 4 or to a position where stop screws 389 and 39| engage the 'ends of .blocks 361'and 365.

When the frame 319 is pulled forward, the lifting bracket 439 slides out from under the lift plate 315, and permits the leg assembly 369 to fall to position 369' `by pivoting about the bolts 31| and 313, the rubber ends of supporting legs 310 and 312 of the leg assembly 369 restY on the running boards 53, the backward swinging motion being controlled by the end of the plate 315 striking against the stop 314.

The seat assembly D, which is mounted on the support E is moved to the rear by loosening screw 213 by turning the wing nut 215 and pushing the assembly back on angles 261 and 269, thereby causing extension 259 on plate 24| to uncover the top opening of the bracket 42|. The seat back 20| of the seat assembly D is lifted out of its sockets and is laid back. Thus the handling mechanism now is ready to receive the stretcher.

The folded stretcher G is arranged as shown in Figs. 2O and 21 by opening up-sections 445 and 441 about hinge 45|1eXtending leg assembly 455, and clamping the leg assembly 455 in'rigid position by slipping the brace 459V 'overthe bolt 46| and tightening up on the wing nut 463. The leg assembly 465 is extended by slipping the brace 469 over the bolt 41| and tightening up on Wing nut 41.3.

The stiiening link 485 is swung about the bolt 489 until the slot 5|3 straddles bolt 493, which bolt then is screwed into position, thereby causing the tapered surface 509 on the bolt 493 to become engaged with the tapered surface 5|| of the slot 5|3 in link 485.

The stretcher assembly G in its extended position then is placed on frame 319 by resting the rubber stops 501 on the carpeted surfaces, 430 and 432 of brackets 423 and 425, and by inserting the brace 415 in the space 422, formed by the extension 42|, as is indicated in Fig. 9, for eX- ample.

The seat support E then is moved forward until the extension 259 of the plate 24| passes through the slots in the lugs 48| and 483 on the brace 415. The screw 213 then is clamped in position by turning wing nut 215, thereby clamping the seat support E on the frame 319.

The rear end of stretcher G is kept from lifting up by the collars on shoulders 460 and 462 on the leg assembly 455 coming in Contact with the extension 426 of bracket 423 and the extension 428 of bracket 425. The slots 422 and 424 straddle the legs of the assembly 453 and prevent any appreciable side movement.

The stretcher G now is held to platform 319 of the handling mechanism F and is in the eX- tended position G as shown in Fig. 4.

The stretcher then is pushed back into its riding position by rolling the frame 319 back onto frame 355, and when this is done, the lifting bracket 439 engages lift plate 315 and raises the legs.

When this has been done the stretcher will be in the approximate position indicated by G" in Fig. f4. This position clears the steering wheel 61. Now by combining the pushing action on the stretcher to the inside of the passenger compartment and then towards the rear of the compartment enclosure with the resultant motion produced by the combination of rollers 33| on the surface 333 of yoke 289, rollers 3I5, 3|1, and 3|9 on the pan 32| and plate 323 rollers 283 and 285 in the track 219, roller 291 in track 28|, rollers 29| and 293 acting against the edge 30| of the frame 211, and then by the action of roller 345 on the front surface 355 of the frame 21.1, and roller 349 on the rear surface 353 of this frame 211, roller 341 also on this rear surface 353, whereby roller 349 is guided by the stop 443 and roller 35| contacts the front surface 355 of the frame 211 until the guide 443 pushes roller 349 back into position to cause the yoke 289 to contact stop screw 290, and until the slot 401 straddles the lock pin 409. The'handle 4I5 is in the vertical position 4|5 during the loading operation, and when the top frames 319 and 335 are in the riding position the handle 4|5 is shifted to the horizontal position shown in Fig. 9, thereby causing the assembly to be locked in riding position.

The drivers seat B then is pushed back in position and lug |01 pushes the pin back until the pin ||I is opposite hole |09, when the spring |2| pushes the pin into the hole |09, thus locking the seat in the riding position.

The seat assembly D when mounted on seat support E is arranged to be positioned in `any station in the circle. This is done by lifting the handle 235, thereby lifting the pin 221 out of the hole 228, and then the seat can be turned because the surface 2|2 of the hole 2|3 contacts the surface of the rollers 241, 241 and 249, and plate 2|| slides on plate 24|, when the pin 221 snaps into hole 230, so that the position of the seat assembly D may be changed from the position indicated on the drawings. Of COUTSG. additional holes may be provided in the plate 24| if other positions of the seat are required. The

,paths ofmovementzoithefpartszareindicated by ,dotted IineSonFigA.

It-Will be understood of f course that-them- 'vention is not to be limitedto the, precise vembodimentsland details that have vbeen illustratedfbut that various modifications and changes -may ,be

made Without Vdereparting from the invention. Thus it is contemplated to remove .theseat assembly D completely from the -seatfSllpDortrE and to ybe-able topush the seatiassemblyD backtowards the rear seat cushion -55 vto provideiaseat .arranged to carry .those Whocannot bendi',heir

leg or legs. Accordingly, it will -beunderstood vthat it is intended to `be .included-,within the scope tof*V this invention `suchmodi1cations and changes as may be Ynecessary-.to adapt it to varying conditions and uses.

What is claimedv is:

..1.'In a vehicle, the .combinationof;avehiole -body having a side opening. .a rectangularqplat- Y form longitudinally disposed Within t'hefsaidfbody andsupported on the yfloor .thereofffor bodily movement parallel toA thesaid iioonimeans for shifting the platform betweena riding Iand:an extended position, the said meansenablingtheplat- .form to be moved between-longitudinal position entirely Within the body-and fapositionv transverse'of thebody, instrumentalities for extending the entire platformoutwardly through the ,side

vopeningiwhen the platform-is in transverseposition until the` entire iplatform `projectsbeyond the lbody to a substantialdistance, the C said. ,in-

strumentalities ,including vmounting means .en-

.abling theentire platform fto= be extended.. completely beyond the vehicle body, u and meansy in the vehicle body for anchoring .theplatform interiorly` of .the body wherrthey platform ism` extended' position.

:2. In `a vehicle, the -combination of a .vehicle body'havinga yside opening, a platform assembly y longitudinallyv disposed Vwithin 4the said v;bo,dy.-at vone side of the longitudinal vaxis of .the .body,.and

supported on the floor thereof` for bodilymove- 'ment' parallel to the-said noor, -and means 4for shifting the platform assembly between..a,.riding Vposition vin the body and ex-tended position through thesaid side opening ina. multiplicity of Y selected paths `of movementl enabling the .plat- -form'to avoid engagement -.With..norma1ly-ob structing elements in the vehicle ..,body, as the platforml is rmoved through .the said'side opening `into its extended position.

."3. ,In ya vehicle, the combination of..a vehicle body having a side opening,\ a. rectangular plat- 'form assembly longitudinally disposed vWithlnlthe rsaid body andsupported.` on thefloontherefifor zzbodilyfmovement parallel `to ythe' lfloorpmeansfor shifting the platformassembly ,betweenriding .and extended position, the saidmeans including instrumentalities for causingone endofithev platform assembly to travel in.. a` longitudinal rpath within. the body andrthe :opposite end. of tal-:leas- -sembly to travel ina path transversely of'the body Yand to be projected outwardly ,throughthe sideopening substantially .beyond 4the. bodypf `the vehicle, the said instrumentalities including mounting means enabling the entire ,platform to be extended completely beyondthe've- .hiclebody, anchoring meansr within the saidbody for anchoring the interior end of the said'platjform assembly when the assembly is in extended position, means on the said platform 'foramounting a stretcher on'the platform, fandllocking devices for releasably securing the1 stretcherto-the platform, 'the said vplat-formassemblyfbeingsremovable vcompletely,frompthebody Yof:.the vehicle.

lrfi. Ina Vehicle, thecombination of ,a .vehicle :body having a side opening..and;a';oor,zparallel @track members secured to: theifloor. and extending longitudinally of 'the .body Within Vthe said :body, a :platform1assembly longitudinally disposed Within the said: body.andlidably` mounted on the said track members -"for horizontal bodily movement withinxthesaid,vehicle body, a seat assembly mountedon .the said :platform .assembly,'the seat assembly including :a seat, a

plate becoming operative .,eXteriorly-,of the -body Whenjthe seat assembly. is,` in yextended position. 5. -Inravehicla the combination oia'v'ehicle body having a side.opening:and.;a`loor,parallel track members securedto theyfloor-.and extending Ylongitudinally 'of .the vbodyinteriorly thereof, -a fplatform as semblyr'longitudinally disposed within vthe -said :body fand -.slidablynmounted on the said tracky member for.movementfwithin-"the said vehicle body, :means 'fo1':.movlngj;the.said platform assemblyI along the track member-to a station enabling it to be turned to extend through the said Lside opening, a turntablefor enablingthe saidfplatform 'assembly toi be turned -through the saidside opening .and extended beyond the body, aseat-assembly mounted on'the V-said vplatform assembly, the seat assembly including a seat, a mounting plateiior the seat, means for slidably-securing themounting .plate to the platform assembly, for sliding thefseat mounting plate and the seat to fully extended position, the said turntable dening anchoring means within the body forthesai'dplatform. as-

sembly and seat assembly,and means ontheseat and lplatform for receiving andmounting a stretcher placed' thereon.

f6. In' a Vehicle, the. combination of vehicle body having a side openinganda iloor, track -members secured tothe floor andextendinglon- :gitudinally of-'the body-interiorly thereof, a plat- .form assembly longitudinally disposed Within the saidbodyand slidably'mounted on thesaid track members. foramovement `*Within the. said vehicle body, means for. moving the said platformassembly along the-,track member yto a station enabling the said lassembly to-beturned'to--extend throughtheLsaidzsideopening, a turntable for enabling. the'platform vassembly tofbeturned through the` saidside opening, and atop yplat- .'formunounted on the platform` assembly, land supporting-means for 4enabling the .platform to :be extended and-retracted relativeto theI platuformf assembly'- the said-.turntable-v dening .an- Y choring means within the .said-body yforthe .said ',zplatformassembly.

7..,Infa vehiclefthe combination oiga vehicle body having: a -side -opening and a, floor,l parallel track members secured to the` doorA and yextending longitudinally.; ofnthe abody interiorly thereojl,

individual seats movably mounted in the body, a platform assembly disposed within the said body and slidably mounted on the said track members for movement within the said body, means for moving the said platform assembly along the track members to a station enabling "t to be turned to extend through the said side opening, a turntable for enabling the said platform assembly to be turned through the said side opening and extended beyond the body, a seat assembly mountedA on the said platform, the seat assembly including a seat, a mounting :nate for the seat, means for slidably securing the mounting plate to the platform for sliding the seat mounting plate and the seat to fully extended positions, the said turntable defining anchoring means within the body for the said platform and seat assembly, means exterior of the body for supporting the extended platform outside of the body for the mounting plate and seat, means on the seat and platform for receiving and mounting a stretcher placed thereon, and instrumentalities for rendering the seats .inimpeding to the mounting of the stretcher and movement thereof between loading and riding position.

8. In a vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having a side opening and a floor parallel track members secured to the floor and extending longitudinally of the body interiorly thereof, individual seats movably mounted in the body, turntable mechanism mounted on the track members and movable therealong, a platform normally disposed within the body mounting means turnably mounting the said platform on the turntable for enabling the said platform to be turned through the said side opening when the turntable is moved along the said track member to a position suitable therefor, mechanism enabling the said platform to be extended relative to the said mounting means, and a seat assembly slidably mounted on the platform and adapted to be extended relatively thereto entirely beyond the vehicle body, the said turntable providing anchoring means inside of the said body for the platform and seat assembly. I

9. In a vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having a side opening and a floor, parallel track members secured to the floor and extending longitudinally of the body interiorly thereof, a seat mounted forwardly in the body, means for mounting the said seat on the track members for enabling the seat to be moved longitudinally within the body to a predetermined position along the track members including a station adjacent to the side opening, means for turning the seat transversely of the body, means for extending the seat through the side opening to a position outside of the body, and mechanism enabling the said seat to be turned on its mounting through a complete circle.

l0. In a vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body defining a passenger compartment having conventional side openings and door closures therefor, front and rear Seats in the said body, mounting means for one of the front seats enabling it to be rotated until the seat faces the rear seat, means for longitudinally adjusting the front seat in the said compartment into a position enabling a rider on the rear seat to support his legs in desired extended positionand mechanism associated with the mounting means for enabling the front seat to be extended laterally from the body through a side opening.

11. In a vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having opposite side openings and a floor. parallel track members secured to the floor and extending horizontally of the body interiorly thereof, a pair of individual seats mounted forwardly in the body, means for mounting one of the said seats on the track members for enabling the seat to be moved longitudinally within the body to a predetermined position along the track members including a station adjacent to the side opening nearest to the said seat, means for turning the seat transversely of the body, means for extending the seat through the side opening to a position outside of the body, and instrumentalities for shifting the other seat of the said pair outwardly from the body through its sidc opening in order to enable the seat to clear movement of a stretcher mounted on the said seat extending means during shifting of the stretcher and seat extending means between loading and riding positions.

12. In a Vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having opposite side openings and a floor, parallel track members secured to the floor and extending horizontally of the body interiorly thereof, a pair of individual seats mounted forwardly in the body, means for mounting one of the said seats on the track members for enabling the seat to be moved longitudinally within the body to a predetermined position along the track members including a station adjacent to the side opening nearest to the said seat, means for turning the seat transversely of the body, means for extending the seat through the side opening to a position outside of the body, means for mounting a stretcher on the seat-extending means, locking devices for locking the mounted stretcher in position, means for dropping the back of the Seat into a non-obstructing position relative to the stretcher, and instrumentalities for shifting the other seat of the said pair outwardly from the body through its side opening in order to enable the seat to clear movement of the stretcher during shifting thereof between loading and riding positions.

13. In a vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having opposite side openings and a floor, a pair of individual seats mounted forwardly in the body, means for mounting one of the said seats in the body for longitudinal movement within the body to a predetermined position including a station adjacent to the side opening nearest to the said seat, means for turning the seat transversely of the body, and means for rendering the other seat unimpeding to a stretcher carried on the said mounting means for the longitudinally movable seat as the stretcher is moved between loading and riding positions.

14. In a. vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having a side opening and a floor, parallel track members secured to the oor and extending longitudinally to the body interiorly thereof, a seat assembly mounted forwardly in the body, means for mounting the said seat assembly on the track members for enabling the seat lto be moved longitudinally within the body to a predetermined position along the track members including a position adjacent to the side opening, means for turning the seat transversely of the body, means for extending the seat through the side opening to a position outside of the body, and stretcher-mounting instrumentalities on the seat-extending means for mounting a stretcher thereon, the said instrumentalities including devices for supporting locating and locking the stretcher in position.

15. In a vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having a side opening and a iloor, parallel,

track members secured to the floor and extending longitudinally of the body interi-orly thereof, a seat assembly mounted forwardly in the body, means, for mounting the said seat assembly so that it may be moved from riding position to a stretcher-mounting position, stretcher-mounting instrumentalities on the seat assembly and on the assembly-mounting means, the said instrumentalities including a front retaining member on the seat assembly and lateral holding devices on the assembly-mounting means, a stretcher mounted on the seat-assembly-rnounting means, the said stretcher including sections hingedly-connected together, means for rigidly securing the sections in extended positions, a frame positioned in the front retaining member, supporting instrumentalities for supporting the rear end and sides of the stretcher and means, outside of the vehicle for supporting the seat assembly and assembly-mounting means when in stretcher-receiving position, the said supporting means for the seat assembly and assemblymounting means being collapsible to enable the mounted stretcher to be moved between loading and riding positions.

16. A stretcher adapted to be mounted on a seat mounting means of a standard type passenger vehicle that is convertible from a passengercarrying vehicle into an ambulance, which comprises a head section and a foot section, hinge connections between the sections enabling the stretcher to be folded completely together for storage in a standard baggage compartment when not in use without restriction of passenger-carrying space or accommodations, means for holding the sections rigid when in extended position, and front and rear supporting means for the stretcher adapted to engage with complementary receiving instrumentalities on the assembly mounting means for securing the stretcher in position for movement between mounting and riding positions.

17. A stretcher adapted to be mounted on seatmounting means of a standard type passenger automobile that is convertible from a passengercarrying vehicle into an ambulance, which cornprises a head section and a foot section, hinge connections between the sections enabling the stretcher to be folded completely together for ample storage in a standard baggage compartment usually provided in the standard automobile without restriction of passenger-carrying space or accommodations when not in use, means for holding the sections rigid when in extended position, front and rear supporting means foi the stretcher adapted to engage with complementary receiving instrumentalities on the seatmounting means for securing the stretcher in position for movement between mounting and riding positions, the said front and rear supporting means being hingedly mounted on the stretcher for collapsing when the stretcher is folded, means for rigidly holding the supporting means in supporting position when the stretcher is in use, and collapsible means on the stretcher for facilitating movement of the stretcher to any desired loading position.

18. In a vehicle having an elongated compartment with opposite side openings in the forward portions of its side Walls and a pair of seat members mounted forwardly therein, substantially parallel track members extending lengthwise in the compartment, an elongated table slidably mounted on the track members, the said table carrying one of the seat members ofk the said pair, means for mounting the seat member on the table, instrumentalities enabling the said table to be shifted to project an end thereof through its adjacent side opening, and mechanism for moving the seat member to a fully extended position for receiving a stretcher, means for positioning the seat unobstructedly relatively to the stretcher, and means for adjusting the other seat of the said pair in order to clear the movements of the table and stretcher between riding and loading positions.

19. In a passenger vehicle of the class described having the body formed to provide an entrance space on one side of the vehicle and a seat assembly including a seat mounted forwardly therein, track members in the body extending lengthwise thereof, the seat assembly being mounted on the said track for sliding therealong, means for extending the seat through the said space to a distance beyond the body for enabling an extended stretcher to be mounted on the said means, the stretcher being adapted to carry a human body thereon, vanchoring devices within the vehicle body for the said means and extended seat, means outside of the vehicle body for supporting the extended seat, and stretchermounting instrumentalities on the said extending means for securing amounted stretcher in position thereon for shifting between loading and riding positions.

20. In a passenger vehicle of the class described having the body formed to provide entrance spaces on both sides of the vehicle and a pair of seat assemblies mounted forwardly thereof, each of the said assemblies including a seat, track members in the body extending lengthwise thereof, one of the said seat assemblies being mounted on the said track for sliding along to a preselected position, means for turning the seat and its assembly to enable extension thereof through its side opening in the body, means included in the seat assembly for moving the seat from its position within the body to a position substantially beyond the body, means for supporting the seat in extended position, means for securing an extended stretcher on the said moving means, instrumentalities for releasably locking the stretcher in mounted position, releasable locking devices for maintaining the seat assembly in desired adjusted position,

and means for moving the other seat assembly to a position unobstructing to the stretcher, during movement of the stretcher between loading and riding positions.

21. In a vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having a side opening, a platform longitudinally disposed within the said body and supported on the floor thereof for movement in the said body, and turning means for the platform so that when the platform is moved its rear end is caused to move in an eccentrically arcuate path from a position within the body to a position outside of the body and its forward end to simultaneously travel in a path transverse of the body and to be projected outwardly through the side opening.

22. In a vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having a side opening and a oorQtrack members secured to its floor and extending longitudinally of the body interiorly thereof, individual seats movably mounted in the body, a

platform assembly disposed within the body and slidably mounted on the track members, means for moving the platform assembly along the track members to a station enabling the platform assembly to be turned to extend through the side opening, means for the platform assembly enabling it to be extended completely through the side opening to a station remote from the vehicle body, and instrumentalities for rendering the seats unimpeding to the mounting of a stretcher on the platform assembly and to the movement thereof between loading and riding positions.

23. In a device of the character described, the combination of track members adapted to be secured to the floor of a vehicle, a seat mounted on the track members, and mounting means for mounting the said seat on the track members for enabling the seat to be moved on the track members when installed in the vehicle the mounting means for the seat including turning instrumentalities for enabling the seat to be turned transversely of the track, and extensible mechanism anchored to the turning instrumentalities for enabling the seat to be extended to a position wholly exterior of the vehicle in which the device is to be mounted, While firmly supporting the seat in extended position.

24. In a device of the character described, the combination of seat-mounting means adapted to be secured to the floor of a vehicle and a seat mounted on the seat-mounting means, the said means including a turntable for enabling the seat to be turned transversely of the vehicle in which the seat is to be mounted, and extensible mechanism for enabling the seat to be extended to a position Wholly exterior of the said vehicle in which the seat is to be mounted, While firmly supporting the seat in extended position.

25. In a device of the character described, the combination of seat-mounting means adapted to be secured to the floor of a vehicle, and a seat mounted on the seat-mounting means, the said means including turning instrumentalities for enabling the seat to be turned transversely of the vehicle in which the seat is to be mounted, and extensible mechanism for enabling the seat to be extended to a position Wholly exterior of the vehicle in which the seat is to be mounted,

and means for rigidly mounting a bed on the extensible mechanism, the said turning instrumentalities constituting anchoring means for the extensible mechanism for rigidly supporting the latter when in extended position together with the bed mounted thereon.

26. In a device of the character described, the combination of seat-mounting means adapted to be secured to the floor of a vehicle, a seat mounted on the seat-mounting means, the said seat being provided with a back, means on the seatmountingl means for mounting a bed thereon, and means for moving the seat-back to a station unimpeding to the said bed.

27. In a device of the character described, the combination of seat-mounting means adapted to be secured adjustably to the floor of the vehicle, a seat mounted on the seat-mounting means, instrumentalities enabling the seat and its mounting means to be adjusted into any desired position longitudinally of the floor, means for releasably securing the seat in adjusted position, and means for enabling rotation of the seat, and mechanism enabling the seat to be moved through a side door of the vehicle and extended to a position entirely exterior of the vehicle.

28. A device of the character described, comprising an assembly mounting adapted to be secured to the floor of a vehicle, the said assembly including a turntable, a frame mounted on the turntable adapted to be turned transversely of the vehicle in which the device is to be mounted, a platform mounted on the frame, means slidably securing the platform to the frame for enabling the platform to be extended and retracted relative to the frame, and means on the assembly for rigidly mounting a bed thereon, the said turntable defining an anchor for firmly supporting the frame together with the platform and mounted bed when in extended position.

29. In a device of the character described, the combination of track members adapted to be secured to the floor of a vehicle, a seat mounted on the track members, means for mounting the said seat on the track members for enabling the seat to be moved on the track members when installed in the vehicle, the mounting means for the seat including turning instrumentalities for enabling the seat to be turned transversely of the track, and extensible means anchored to the turning instrumentalities for enabling the seat to be moved to a position entirely exterior of the vehicle in which the device is mounted, While rmly supporting its seat in extended position.

30. In a vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having a side opening and a floor, parallel track members secured to the floor and extending longitudinally of the body and Within the said body, a platform assembly longitudinally disposed Within the said body and slidably mounted on the track members for horizontal bodily movement within the said vehicle body, an extensible assembly mounted on the said platform assembly, the extensible assembly including riding means, a mounting plate for the riding means, and carrying a member slidably mounted on the said platform and supporting the said mounting plate, means for turning the said platform assembly laterally through the side opening to a position intermediate riding and extended positions, means for moving the said mounting plate and the riding means on the platform assembly to a fully extended position completely beyond the lines of the vehicle body, the said turning means defining anchoring instrumentalities for the platform assembly Within the body, means exterior of the body for supporting the platform assembly externally of the vehicle, and collapsible supporting means for the extensible assembly and mounting plate becoming operative externally of the vehicle body when the extensible assembly is in extended position.

31. Mechanism adapted to be installed into the standard riding body of a conventional type of motor vehicle, which comprises guide members adapted to be mounted in the said compartment, a platform assembly adjustably positioned on the guide members for adjustment relative thereto, the platform assembly including a turntable for anchoring the assembly in the riding body when the assembly is mounted in the said body, the said assembly also including a section adapted to be shifted from a riding position within the compartment to a lateral position adjacent to a standard side door of the compartment While being maintained anchored by the turn-table, and a section extensibly mounted on the shiftable section adapted to be extended through the said door to a loading station remote from the compartment.

32. In a vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having standard front and rear seats, a side door opening and a iloor, guide members in the body, a platform assembly disposed longitudinally in the body at one side of the longitudinal aids of the body and movably mounted on the said guide members for horizontal bodily movement longitudinally within the vehicle body while continuously clearing the rear seat, the said platform assembly including a platform, means for turning the platform laterally through the side opening, means enabling the platform to be moved between a position within the body and a fully extended position completely away from the outside of the body, the said turning means defining anchoring instrumentalities for the said platform assembly within the body, and means carried by the platform assembly for firmly supporting the said assembly outside of the vehicle body when the assembly is in extended position.

33. In a vehicle, the combination of a vehicle body having a side opening and a floor, guide members in the body, a platform assembly disposed in the body and movably mounted on the I guide members, the said platform assembly including a platform extensibly mounted on the remainder of the assembly, the assembly and platform being positioned normally entirely within the said body longitudinally thereof and at one side of the longitudinal axis of the body, turn-table means for anchoring one end of the assembly in the body while enabling the said platform to be moved through the side opening between the position entirely within the said body and an extended position completely outside of the said body and remote therefrom, the said platform assembly being anchored continuously within the body, and supporting means on the said assembly for firmly supporting the platform outside of the vehicle body when the platform is in extended position.

34. In a passenger motor car of a sedan type, a platform assembly mounted entirely within the usual passenger body, normally extending longitudinally of the body and disposed to avoid obstruction and reduction of the passenger capacity of the car, means within the car for anchoring the assembly interiorly of the car while enabling the assembly to be shifted within the car to a position adjacent to one of the standard side door openings of the car, a platform extensibly mounted on the assembly, means for extending the platform from the interior of the compartment through the door opening to a loading station completely outside of and remote from the said riding compartment while the platform is anchored continuously interiorly of the said compartment by the anchoring means, and means outside of the compartment for firmly supporting the platform when it is in its extended loading position completely remote from the riding compartment.

35. In a passenger motor vehicle of a sedan type, a standard passenger-transporting mechanism comprising a loading and riding platform shiftable between a riding position wholly within the vehicle which riding position avoids obstruction to the passenger space of the body when the platform is unloaded and also avoids reduction in amount of the said passenger space and a loading position completely remote from the vehicle, and anchoring means within the vehicle for continuously anchoring the said mechanism inside of the Vehicle while allowing the platform to be shifted through a side door opening of the vehicle between riding and remote loading positions.

36. In a vehicle, the combination which comprises a vehicle body having a Vside opening, guide members in the body disposed longitudinally in the body at one side of the longitudinal axis of the body, a platform assembly disposed in the body and movably mounted on the guide members for horizontal bodily movement within the vehicle body, the said platform assembly including a platform extensibly mounted on the said assembly, and means enabling shifting of the platform through the side opening between a riding position wholly within the body and an extended loading position completely outside of and remote from the body.

37. In a sedan passenger automobile having standard doors, riding equipment, and front driving seat, the combination which comprises a platform assembly longitudinally disposed within the sedan body and supported on the floor thereof for bodily movement parallel to the said door, the said platform assembly including a platform, mounting means carried'by the platform and a front seat on the mounting means, the said assembly normally being positioned longitudinally in the sedan body with its longitudinal center line located at one side of the center line of the sedan body, so that the said assembly lies normally in the sedan body along a side thereof, and means for shifting the platform assembly between its normal position in the sedan body and an extended position laterally from the sedan body through a door thereof with the platform and seat thereof extended entirely beyond the said body, the shifting means enabling movement of the platform between riding and loading positions in a multiplicity of selected paths of movement enabling the platform when loaded to avoid engagement with normally obstructing elements of the vehicle body as the platform is moved through the said door.

38. In a sedan passenger-riding automobile having standard doors and riding equipment, the combination which comprises a platform assembly longitudinally disposed within the sedan body and supported on the floor thereof for bodily movement parallel to the said floor, the said platform assembly including a platform, mounting means carried by the platform, a front seat on the mounting means and means for receiving a stretcher assembly, the platform assembly being smaller than the stretcher assembly to be mounted thereon, the platform assembly normally being positioned longitudinally in the sedan body with its longitudinal center line located at one side of the center line of the sedan body, so that the said assembly lies normally in the sedan body along a side thereof, and y means for shifting the platform assembly between its normal position in the sedan body and an extended loading position laterally from the sedan body through a door thereof with the platform and seat thereof extended entirely beyond the said body, the shifting means enabling movement of the platform between riding and loading positions in a multiplicity of selected paths of movement enabling the platform when loaded to avoid engagement with normally obstructing elements in the vehicle body as the platform is moved through the said door.

39. In a sedan passenger automobile having standard doors, riding equipment, rear seat, and front driving seat, the combination which comprises a platform assembly longitudinally disposed within the sedan body and supported on the floor thereof for bodily movement parallel to the said floor, the said platform assembly including a platform mounting means carried by the platform, a front seat on the mounting means and means for receiving a stretcher assembly, means normally positioning the platform assembly longitudinally within the sedan body with its longitudinal center line located at one side of, but parallel to, the center line of the sedan body so that the said assembly lies normally in the sedan body along a side thereof. the platform assembly being of a length substantially less than the Width of the sedan body and clearing the rear seat therein, and means for shifting the platform assembly between its normal position in the sedan body and an eX- tended loading position laterally from the sedan body through a door thereof with. the platform and seat extended entirely beyond the said body for loading the stretcher assembly thereon, the shifting means enabling. movement of the platform between riding and loading positions in a multiplicity of selected paths of movement enabling the platform when loaded to avoid engagement With normally obstructing elements in the vehicle body as the platform is moved through the said door.

40. In a sedan type automobile having a standard body, standard doors, and standard riding equipment, the combination which comprises a platform assembly longitudinally disposed on the floor of the body, and adapted to be shifted from riding position within the body and the loading position completely exterior of the body, the platform assembly being shiftable through one of the doors of the vehicle, and having its center of gravity when unloaded substantially coincident with the center of gravity of the vehicle in all positions of the platform thereby minimizing the amount of lift required for placing a load on the platform assembly when the said assembly is in loading position.

ARTHUR L. KOCH. JOHN B. COVI. 

